- What does robotic surgery actually mean? Is it performed by robots?
Robotic surgery involves using a surgical robot to perform advanced surgical procedures. The robot is a computer device that can replicate the movements of a surgeon’s hand with remarkable precision and speed, scaling these movements up to 1100 times per second. The robot operates in a master-slave configuration, meaning that the movements of the surgeon’s hands and fingers are translated to the tips of the robot’s instruments.
- What is the qualification required to be a robotic surgeon, can any surgeon perform the operation?
To perform robotic surgery, one must have a basic degree in surgery and of the surgical disciplines, including a super-specialty degree if one intends to do super-specialty work. Currently, there is no specific qualification in robotic surgery, although some countries offer short courses that surgeons may undertake. Companies such as Intitube and CMR offer their own short courses as well. The Association of Robotic and Innovative Surgeons has initiated a one-year fellowship program under Sri Ramachandra Medical University in Chennai which is the only authentic robotic training program available in Asia and most parts of the world.
- Why should patients opt for robotic surgery?
Patients should opt for robotic surgery if it is recommended by their surgeon. While many surgeries are performed using laparoscopic or keyhole methods, robotic surgery has significant advantages in complex situations. It is particularly useful in disciplines such as hernia surgery, cancer surgery, basic and advanced gynecological surgery, head and neck or transorgan surgery, thoracic surgery, and neurological surgery. Additionally, many new indications for robotic surgery are emerging, and it can be used to treat a variety of other diseases. The primary benefit of robotic surgery is that it enables early recovery with minimal scarring and post-operative pain, allowing patients to return to work sooner.
- What is the difference between robotic surgery and general surgery?
There are some key differences between robotic surgery and general surgery. In general surgery, incisions are made in the chest, abdomen, neck, or other parts in the body to retrieve or treat a condition, often using long incisors. In contrast, robotic surgery involves using small keyhole incisions through which robotic arms are inserted into the cavities to perform the surgery remotely. The arms are manipulated by the surgeon using manipulators attached to a console, allowing for greater precision and control.
- Is it minimally invasive and painless?
Robotic surgery is typically minimally invasive, with the exception of cases involving the neck where small flaps may need to be raised. Compared to even minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is almost painless.
- Does robotic surgeries guarantee faster recovery?
Recovery from robotic surgery can be much faster in certain cases. For example, instead of a traditional open procedure where the patient might need to stay in the hospital for two or three weeks for the wounds to heal and the lungs to expand, a keyhole incision can be made in the thorax for a precise dissection using robotic technology. This allows the patient to return to work in just a few days, which is much earlier than in case of conventional surgery, and with a significantly lower risk of infection compared to open wounds or traditional open surgery.
- Is there any age criteria or restrictions based on a patient’s medical history?
There is no specific age limit for the use of robotic surgery, as it can be employed on patients ranging from young adults to the elderly. However, certain contraindications may preclude a patient from undergoing robotic surgery, such as if they are not a suitable candidate for surgery or if anesthesia on him is contraindicated due to pre-existing heart or lung conditions or other disorders.
- What kind of surgeries can be done through robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery has proven to be particularly effective in urological procedures, such as surgeries on the kidney and prostate. Additionally, it has shown great advantages in oncological surgeries, particularly for treating cancers of the colon, stomach, esophagus, liver, head and neck. The use of robotic technology has also greatly benefitted gynecological surgery, such as for the removal of tumors in the uterus and ovaries, and for pelvic node surgery. Furthermore, it has proven beneficial in liver and bile duct surgeries, abdominal hernia operations, lung operations, and mediastinum surgeries through the thorax. In recent times, robotic surgery has even enabled transoral procedures in the posterior part of the mouth without requiring the jaw to be opened, where traditional open surgery cannot reach.
- Can a heart patient go through robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a viable option for any patient, and is no different for patients with heart conditions. However, if a patient has a severely compromised heart or is not fit for anesthesia, then robotic surgery may not be feasible. In cases where heart patients are on blood thinners, appropriate preparation is necessary for any surgery, including robotic surgery. Nonetheless, robotic surgery has emerged as a significant advancement and has been increasingly used even in heart surgery.
- Is it safe and are the outcomes long-term?
Robotic surgery, like any other minimally invasive surgery, is considered safe. The surgeon is performing the same steps of surgery as they would have done with endoscopy or laparoscopic surgery but with the help of robotic instruments, enabling precise dissection. The outcomes of robotic surgery have been wonderful so far, and the machines themselves are also very safe. They come equipped with automatic alarms, and if there is a minor problem, the machines shut down on their own. Since the machines are operated using a master-slave combination, they are not autonomous and cannot injure the patient. They simply follow the commands of the surgeon.
- Who introduced robotic surgery in India?
The first demonstration of robotic surgery for the heart was performed at Vedanta. But the first actual robotic surgery in India was conducted by Dr. Srivastava for prostate surgery at AIIMS. As for myself, I have introduced robotic surgery to the North East region of India.
- What kind of responds do you get from Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a fascinating concept for many people. Unfortunately, the general public often has misconceptions about it, picturing a humanoid metal robot operating on patients while the surgeon sits idly by. In reality, the robot is merely a tool controlled entirely by a human surgeon. While the response to robotic surgery has been mixed so far, as patients become more informed about its advantages, they are more likely to accept it as a viable option.
- For how long that Robotic surgery continue?
The setup time for Robotic surgery is slightly longer compared to traditional surgery. The duration of the surgery itself can vary depending on the type of procedure, ranging from half an hour to a few hours.
- Your message as Robotic surgery.
As a Robotic surgeon and the founder president of the Association of Robotic and Innovative Surgeons, it’s my aim to educate people and raise awareness about the role of technology in our lives. From automatic gas burners in our kitchens to mobile phones with built-in facilities, technology has become an indispensable part of our lives. Even the sophisticated Robots we use in the operating theatre are now becoming more accessible. It’s essential that society understands the benefits of robotic surgery so that we can take full advantage of its potential. In addition, manufacturers and suppliers should strive to provide cost-effective robots so that people in remote areas can also benefit from this technology.